Portrait: John
During a high school playoff game, I was fouled while going up for a lay-up and slammed my head on the hardwood floor.
I was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with a major concussion. During the MRI, doctors noticed a “shadow” on my cerebellum that required consistent monitoring to ensure it didn't grow.
I sought out one of the best neurologists in New York and ended up at Columbia Presbyterian in Manhattan.
A little bit about John
From a young age, I was a very competitive basketball player, eventually becoming a collegiate athlete alongside fellow SameYou Advocate, Ty Hawkins. During a high school playoff game, I was fouled while going up for a lay-up and slammed my head on the hardwood floor. I was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with a major concussion. During the MRI, doctors noticed a “shadow” on my cerebellum that required consistent monitoring to ensure it didn't grow. I sought out one of the best neurologists in New York and ended up at Columbia Presbyterian in Manhattan.
For the next five years, I diligently monitored the “shadow” while fortunately continuing to play college basketball and live normally. Two weeks before graduating college, I fainted and made an emergency appointment with my neurologist at Columbia. I was informed that the “shadow” had grown to the size of an acorn and was now identified as a “polycystic astrocytoma” (a benign tumor). The main concern was its location, pressing against my brain canal and causing spinal fluid buildup in my brain stem. My neurologist presented three options:
- Skip graduation and undergo emergency surgery.
- Graduate and have surgery immediately afterward.
- Take a chance and leave it untreated.
I chose option 2. I graduated in mid-May and underwent surgery on June 4, 2018.
Recovering after the surgery
Immediately after surgery, I lost about 95% of the coordination on the left side of my body, from head to toe. My vision was significantly impaired, and I relied on a wheelchair. During my time at Columbia, I followed a strict inpatient rehabilitation program involving physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Upon discharge, finding the right outpatient rehabilitation was crucial. Kessler Rehab in South Orange, NJ, became my choice, providing targeted physical and occupational therapy for brain injury. Despite initial doubts, including a therapist’s belief that I would never run again, I persisted. Seeking specialized treatment for my vestibular issues, I turned to NYU Langone's brain injury recovery unit. Over the next year, I progressed from walking with assistance to walking independently. I underwent vision therapy tailored to my post-surgery issues, such as double vision and nystagmus, which had prevented me from driving for 2-3 years. Through prism lenses and dedicated therapy, I eventually regained the ability to drive.
My support network
Aside from professional therapy, family and friends played a pivotal role in my recovery. Their unwavering support, especially during my lowest moments, was invaluable. I am forever grateful to them, particularly my parents and two sisters.
Moving forward after brain injury
As a brain injury survivor, my main inspiration stems from the challenges I’ve faced and overcome. Brain injuries can be life-changing, not only affecting physical abilities but also mental resilience and emotional well-being. Because of my experiences, I developed a deep empathy for others going through similar struggles and recognized how powerful support and motivation can be during recovery.
As a TBI survivor, I have gained a unique perspective, and using it to inspire others became a top priority. I have learned firsthand how difficult it can be to regain control over my life, and by sharing my story, I believed I could help others realize they aren’t alone and that recovery, while challenging, is possible.
Eager to share my journey and contribute to the community, I joined the nonprofit “Brave Minds,” which raises awareness about brain injuries. I also became a certified adaptive physical trainer, working with individuals facing disabilities and deficiencies.
Before surgery, I also had a passion for creativity and dreamed of starting my own business. Inspired by my unique experiences, I went on to launch “Victor Or Victim,” a brand focused on motivational content and merchandise. Through my website and social media platforms, I share motivational reels and uniquely designed quotes, with proceeds often benefiting charitable organizations. The brand has garnered nearly 11 thousand followers nationwide.
What was helpful to support my mindset
Despite the challenges, my consistent work ethic and determination in the gym played a crucial role in my recovery. I not only relearned to walk but also achieved my goal of running again. Pushing my limits further, I completed a full marathon and later a half marathon, hosting charity events for the National Brain Tumor Society in conjunction with these achievements.
I believe work ethic and exercise play pivotal roles in recovery because both require consistency, discipline, and a positive mindset. Work ethics have been beneficial for mental resilience, offered structure and routine and allowed me to set goals. Exercise had a direct impact on my physical rehabilitation; allowing me to improve my motor skills, coordination and strength has had a positive effect on my cognitive functions, and has been a great tool to combat the feeling of depression.
Challenges I am still tackling today
Unfortunately, I am still battling a number of challenges to this day. Although my overall vision has seen significant improvement over the years, it has been said by my surgeons that I will most likely always have slight double vision. The strabismus surgeries worked tremendously but will not be 100% effective. I try my absolute best to continuously work on my physical deficiencies, but I still deal with minor challenges when it comes to overall balance.
It is very difficult to walk in a straight line because of the impact the tumor had on my vestibular system. Before surgery, I was very competitive in basketball and now it has become difficult to dribble a ball with my left hand.
I am continuing to incorporate a variety of exercises in my daily routine to continuously work on my deficiencies. Although it can be frustrating, I am still seeing progression on a consistent basis. For example, two weeks ago I saw an improvement with the mobility/coordination in my left arm, which was the first time since having surgery.
Advice to other survivors
Consistency and discipline are vital for recovery, especially for a brain injury survivor, because they provide the foundation for steady progress, mental resilience, and long-term success.
Consistency helps you build momentum, ensuring that small daily improvements add up to significant long-term gains. Without it, progress can stall or regress. Whereas discipline helps you push through difficult or frustrating days, where immediate improvement may not be visible. Sticking with the process ensures that over time, results will come.